System and method for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant

ABSTRACT

Devices for anchoring and/or blocking spinal implants in an intervertebral disc space are disclosed. In one aspect of the invention the device includes a rigid blocking member having one end unconnected and free to block a spinal implant, and another end attached to a securing member to secure the blocking member to the spine. Methods for using the inventive anchoring/blocking implants are also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/173,451, filed Jul. 1, 2005, which is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 6,974,479, filed Apr. 21, 2003, which is based on Provisional Application 60/432,368, filed Dec. 10, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to spinal implants, and more particularly to devices for blocking and/or retaining implants in an intervertebral disc space.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The intervertebral disc functions to stabilize the spine and to distribute forces between vertebral bodies. A normal disc includes a gelatinous nucleus pulposus, an annulus fibrosis and two vertebral end plates. The nucleus pulposus is surrounded and confined by the annulus fibrosis.

Intervertebral discs may be displaced or damaged due to trauma or disease. Disruption of the annulus fibrosis allows the nucleus pulposus to protrude into the spinal canal, a condition commonly referred to as a herniated or ruptured disc. The extruded nucleus pulposus may press on the spinal nerve, which may result in nerve damage, pain, numbness, muscle weakness and paralysis. Intervertebral discs may also deteriorate due to the normal aging process. As a disc dehydrates and hardens, the disc space height will be reduced, leading to instability of the spine, decreased mobility and pain.

One way to relieve the symptoms of these conditions is by surgical removal of a portion or all of the intervertebral disc. The removal of the damaged or unhealthy disc may allow the disc space to collapse, which could lead to instability of the spine, abnormal joint mechanics, nerve damage, as well as severe pain. Therefore, after removal of the disc, adjacent vertebrae are typically fused to preserve the disc space.

Several devices exist to fill an intervertebral space following removal of all or part of the intervertebral disc in order to prevent disc space collapse and to promote fusion of adjacent vertebrae surrounding the disc space. Even though a certain degree of success with these devices has been achieved, full motion is typically never regained after such intervertebral fusions.

Attempts to overcome these problems have led to the development of disc replacements. Many of these devices are complicated, bulky and made of a combination of metallic and elastomeric components and thus never fully return the full range of motion desired. More recently, efforts have been directed to replacing the nucleus pulposus of the disc with a similar gelatinous material, such as a hydrogel. However, once positioned in the disc space, many hydrogel implants may migrate in the disc space and/or may be expelled from the disc space through an annular defect. Closure of the annular defect, or other opening, using surgical sutures or staples following implantation is typically difficult and, in some cases, ineffective.

A need therefore exists for a nucleus pulposus or other spinal implant that resists migration from the disc space, as well as for devices and methods that block or retain the implants so that the implants are more resistant to migration and/or expulsion through an opening in the annulus fibrosis. The present invention addresses these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Devices and methods for blocking and/or retaining a prosthetic spinal implant member in an intervertebral disc space are provided. In a first aspect of the invention the device comprises a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end. The anchoring end is anchored to a vertebra, and the blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant, and is positioned to block a prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space.

In a second embodiment the device further includes a second blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end. The anchoring end of the second blocking member is anchored to a vertebra, and the blocking end of the second blocking member is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant, and is positioned to block a prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space.

Methods for anchoring a spinal implant are also provided. In one aspect of the invention the method comprises: (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant member in an intervertebral disc space; (b) providing a first blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end, wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant; (c) positioning the blocking end of said first blocking member in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space; and (d) securing the anchoring end of said first blocking member to a vertebra in a manner in which the blocking end of said first blocking member is maintained in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.

In another embodiment the method additionally includes the steps of: (e) providing a second blocking member having an anchoring end and a blocking end, wherein said blocking end is free and unconnected to a prosthetic spinal implant; and (f) positioning the blocking end of said second blocking member in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space; and (g) securing the anchoring end of said second blocking member to a vertebra in a manner in which the blocking end of said second blocking member is maintained in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.

In a third embodiment the method comprises: (a) implanting a prosthetic spinal implant in an intervertebral disc space; (b) providing a flexible blocking member having a first anchoring end, a second anchoring end, and a blocking portion, wherein said flexible blocking member is unconnected to said prosthetic spinal implant; and (c) securing said first anchoring end to a vertebra; and (d) securing said second anchoring end to a vertebra; wherein said securing steps are accomplished in a manner effective to position said blocking portion in a position effective to block said prosthetic spinal implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space.

One object of the present invention is to provide devices for anchoring spinal implants so they will be resistant to excessive migration in, and/or expulsion from, the intervertebral disc space. Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to the implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annular opening.

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to an annular plug, and further wherein the annular plug fills the annular opening.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus.

FIGS. 4 a-4 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a flat plate blocks implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a flat plate blocks plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate not attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 7 a-7 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein there is a separate annulus plug.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the annular plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 13 a-13 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates block implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 14 a-14 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates block plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 15 a-15 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates not attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to the implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 17 a and 17 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to the annular plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 18 a and 18 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 19 a-19 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a flat plate blocks implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 20 a-20 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a flat plate blocks plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 21 a-21 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes an L-shaped plate not attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 22 a-22 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 23 a-23 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein there is a separate annulus plug.

FIGS. 24 a-24 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double plate with a flexible band between, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 25 a and 25 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 26 a and 26 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the annular plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 27 a and 27 b show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes double L-shaped plates attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 28 a-28 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates block implant, and further wherein the implant fills the annulus.

FIGS. 29 a-29 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates block plug, and further wherein the plug fills the annulus.

FIGS. 30 a-30 c show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the device includes a double flat plates not attached to the implant, and further wherein there is nothing in the annulus opening.

FIGS. 31 through 33 show steps in a preferred procedure for using the inventive implants.

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment of the present invention where the securing member (in this case, a screw) is attached to the vertebral end plate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to certain preferred embodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. All embodiments of the present invention, including those explicitly disclosed, those inherently disclosed, and those that would normally occur to persons skilled in the art, are desired to be protected.

The present invention relates to prosthetic spinal implants that are blocked and/or anchored to prevent excessive migration in and/or expulsion from the disc space. Methods of using such implants are also disclosed. The spinal implants described herein include those that may be useful as nucleus pulposus replacements, partial or complete disc replacements, and those that may be useful in other disc reconstruction or augmentation procedures.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Device 10 may include a first, rigid anchoring member 11, having a first end 12 and a second end 13. A prosthetic implant member 14 is attached to, and completely covers, first end 12 of anchoring member 11. At least one securing member 15 is attached to the second end 13 of anchoring member 11. Securing member 15 is securable to a vertebra 16.

As shown in FIGS. 1 a and 1 b, in some embodiments of the invention implant member 14 extends into, and substantially fills, both the vacated nucleus space and opening 18 in annulus 17. The vacated nucleus space and opening 18 are both formed during the discectomy procedure that removes the degenerated disc that is replaced by implant member 14 in the illustrated embodiment.

Anchoring member 11 may be “L” shaped as shown in FIG. 1 a, or it may be another shape effective to position the prosthetic implant member 14 in a desired location when one end of the anchoring member is secured to a vertebra. Anchoring member 11 is preferably made of a rigid, biocompatible material, such as metals, ceramics, composites, etc. For example, carbon fiber reinforced composites such as carbon fiber/epoxy composites or carbon fiber/polyaryletherketone composites may be used, as may a wide variety of metallic materials, such as, for example, shape memory materials, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt chrome alloys, and combinations thereof.

As shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, in other embodiments of the present invention implant member 24 may extend into, and/or substantially fill, only opening 28 of annulus 27. In this embodiment the nucleus space is filled with a separate prosthetic disc nucleus 29.

As shown in FIGS. 3 a and 3 b, in other embodiments implant member 34 may extend into, and/or substantially fill, only the vacated nucleus space, leaving opening 38 of annulus 37 unplugged.

As shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 c, alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise a rigid anchoring member that blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. As with the prior embodiments, rigid anchoring member 41 may have a first end 42 and a second end 43. At least one securing member 45 may be attached to the second end 43 of anchoring member 41, but the first end 42 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 44. Securing member 45 may be secured to a vertebra 46.

FIGS. 5 a-5 c show another embodiment where a rigid anchoring member blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. In this embodiment rigid anchoring member 51 has a first end 52 and a second end 53, with at least one securing member 55 being attached to second end 53. Here too, first end 52 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 54, and securing member 55 may be secured to a vertebra 56.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 a-5 c, rigid anchoring member 51 blocks an implant 54 which is separate and distinct from prosthetic nucleus 59. This is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 a-4 c, where rigid anchoring member 41 blocks a single prosthetic nucleus implant 44. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b, the single prosthetic implant 44 of FIGS. 4 a-4 c extends into, and substantially fills, both the vacated nucleus space and opening 48 in annulus 47.

FIGS. 6 a-6 c show a further embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 b but with a rigid anchoring member that blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. In this embodiment rigid anchoring member 61 has a first end 62 and a second end 63, with at least one securing member 65 being attached to second end 63. As with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, first end 62 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 64, and securing member 65 may be secured to a vertebra.

The anchoring member of the device may also, in other forms of the invention, include a flexible implant-blocking material. For example, FIGS. 7 a-7 c show one embodiment wherein anchoring member 70 comprises a flexible band 71 anchored at each end by one or more securing members 75. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 a-7 c, anchoring member 70 retains implant 74 to keep the implant from being expelled from the intervertebral disc space. Implant 74 extends into, and substantially fills, both the vacated nucleus space and opening 78 in annulus 77.

FIGS. 8 a-8 c show a related embodiment where flexible band 81 blocks both an annular plug 84, and a prosthetic nucleus 89. Flexible band 81 is anchored at each end by one or more securing members 85, in a manner similar to that used in the preceding embodiment.

FIGS. 9 a-9 c show an embodiment where flexible band 91 blocks a prosthetic nucleus 99, leaving the annular opening 98 substantially implant-free. Flexible band 91 is anchored at each end by one or more securing members 95, which are secured to vertebra 96 as previously described.

FIGS. 10 a-10 b through 15 a-15 c show embodiments similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b through 6 a-6 c, but with a second anchoring member being used and attached to the corresponding vertebra. Accordingly, FIGS. 10 a-10 b show a device 100 that includes a two, rigid anchoring members 101 a and 101 b, each of said anchoring members having a first end 102 a and 102 b respectively, that completely covers second ends 103 a and 103 b. A prosthetic implant member 104 is attached to, and completely covers, first ends 102 a and 102 b of anchoring members 101 a and 101 b. At least one securing member (e.g., 105 a and 105 b) is attached to the second end (e.g., 103 a and 103 b) of each anchoring member. The securing members are securable to a vertebra.

Implant member 104 extends into, and substantially fills, both the vacated nucleus space and opening 108 in annulus 107. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 a-11 b, the implant member 114 fills only the annular opening, and a second, separate prosthetic nucleus 119 is used.

As shown in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, in other embodiments implant members 124 a and 124 b may extend into, and/or substantially fill, only the vacated nucleus space, leaving opening 128 of annulus 127 unplugged.

As shown in FIGS. 13 a-13 c, alternative embodiments of the present invention comprise a rigid anchoring member that blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. As with the prior embodiments, each rigid anchoring member 131 a and 131 b may have a first end 132 a and 132 b and a second end 133 a and 133 b. At least one securing member 135 may be attached to the second end 133 of each anchoring member 131, but the first end 132 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 134. Securing member 135 may be secured to a vertebra 136.

FIGS. 14 a-14 c show another embodiment where a rigid anchoring member blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. In this embodiment each rigid anchoring member 141 a and 141 b has a first end 142 and a second end 143, with at least one securing member 145 being attached to second end 143. Here too, first end 142 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 144, and securing member 145 may be secured to a vertebra 146.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 a-14 c, rigid anchoring member 141 blocks an implant 144 which is separate and distinct from prosthetic nucleus 149. This is in contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 a-13 c, where rigid anchoring member 131 blocks a single prosthetic nucleus implant 134. As with the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b and FIGS. 10 a-10 b, the single prosthetic implant 134 of FIGS. 13 a-13 c extends into, and substantially fills, both the vacated nucleus space and opening 138 in annulus 137.

FIGS. 15 a-15 c show a further embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12 a-12 b but with a rigid anchoring member that blocks, but is not attached to, a prosthetic spinal implant member. In this embodiment rigid anchoring member 151 has a first end 152 and a second end 153, with at least one securing member 155 being attached to second end 153. As with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 and FIGS. 11 a-11 b, first end 152 is left free and unconnected to prosthetic spinal implant 154, and securing member 155 may be secured to a vertebra.

Blocking and/or retaining members such as those shown in FIGS. 1-15 may be secured to a vertebra as shown, or they may be “flush fit” as shown in FIGS. 16 a-16 b through 30 a-30 c. In the flush fit embodiments, bone is cut away from the vertebra so that the anchoring/blocking member may be attached in a manner in which the outside surface of the anchoring/blocking member is substantially flush with the outer surface of the vertebra.

When an “L-shaped” anchoring/blocking member is used, the anchoring/blocking member is preferably mounted to contact the vertebral end plate, as shown in FIGS. 16 a-16 b through 18 a-18 b, FIGS. 21 a-21 c, FIGS. 25 a-25 b through 27 a-27 b, and in FIGS. 30 a-30 c. It is preferred that the lower portion of the anchoring/blocking member extend into the intervertebral space to effectively block the natural or prosthetic disc. When a prosthetic disc or annular plug is being blocked or retained, an adhesive may be used to secure the prosthetic disc or plug to the anchoring/blocking member. In such cases the need for extension into the intervertebral space is reduced or eliminated.

It is also to be appreciated that in “flush fit” embodiments using an “L-shaped” anchoring member, the end connected to the implant need not be covered completely by the implant. Accordingly, the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16 a-16 b differs from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 a-1 b in that the first end 162 of anchoring member 161 is not completely covered by implant 164.

Similarly, in FIGS. 17 a-17 b, first end 172 of anchoring member 171 is not completely covered by implant 174 as was the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 a-2 b. In the same manner, first end 182 of anchoring member 181 is not completely covered by implant 184 as was the case in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 a-3 b.

In the “double anchor” embodiments of FIGS. 25 a-25 b through 27 a-27 b the distal ends of the implants need not be completely covered by the corresponding implant. Accordingly, none of anchoring member ends 252, 262, and 272 are completely covered by implants 254, 264, and 274, respectively, as were anchoring member ends 102, 112, and 122.

As to methods of using the disclosed anchored implants, the procedure typically begins with a discectomy to remove the degenerated natural disc. An opening is provided in the annulus, and the degenerated disc material is removed. A prosthetic nucleus in delivered into the disc space, and the anchoring and/or blocking member(s) are installed and attached.

As to the materials that may be used to make the various components of the preferred embodiments, anchoring/blocking members may be formed from rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible biocompatible materials including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, natural or synthetic bone materials, etc. For example, carbon fiber reinforced composites such as carbon fiber/epoxy composites or carbon fiber/polyaryletherketone composites may be used, as may a wide variety of metallic materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, cobalt chrome alloys, tantalum, shape memory alloys, etc.

Examples of appropriate polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, synthetic polymers such as polyurethanes, silicones, polyolefins, polyvinylalcohols, polyesters, polyacrylonitriles, polyetherketones, polycarbonates, polymethacrylates, polyamides, etc. In other embodiments natural polymers, such as cellulose, may be used.

Specific preferred polymers include polytetrafluoroethylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polymethyletherketone, polyacrylamide, polyparaphenylene terephthalamide, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, and combinations of these materials. In some embodiments the polymeric materials are braided in the form of a cord, cable, or may have some other appropriate configuration, and combinations thereof.

Examples of ceramic materials that may be used for the various components of the present invention include alumina, zirconia, alumina-zirconia composites, pyrolytic carbon, and polycrystalline diamond compact materials.

A wide variety of spinal implants for serving differing functions may be anchored or blocked with the anchoring/blocking devices described herein, including implants sized and configured for nucleus pulposus replacements, implants sized and configured for partial or full disc replacements, or other implants designed for other disc reconstruction or augmentation purposes, such as a fusion cage. Elastic, or otherwise resilient, implants are most preferred. For example, implants may be formed from hydrophilic materials, such as hydrogels, or may be formed from biocompatible elastomeric materials known in the art, including silicone, polyurethane, polyolefins such as polyisobutylene and polyisoprene, copolymers of silicone and polyurethane, neoprene, nitrile, vulcanized rubber and combinations thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the vulcanized rubber is produced by a vulcanization process utilizing a copolymer produced, for example, as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,098 to Summers et al., from 1-hexene and 5-methyl-1,4-hexadiene. Preferred hydrophilic materials are hydrogels. Suitable hydrogels include natural hydrogels, and those formed from polyvinyl alcohol, acrylamides such as polyacrylic acid and poly (acrylonitrile-acrylic acid), polyurethanes, polyethylene glycol, poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), acrylates such as poly(2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate) and copolymers of acrylates with N-vinyl pyrolidone, N-vinyl lactams, acrylamide, polyurethanes and polyacrylonitrile or may be formed from other similar materials that form a hydrogel. The hydrogel materials may further be cross-linked to provide further strength to the implant. Examples of different types of polyurethanes include thermoplastic or thermoset polyurethanes, aliphatic or aromatic polyurethanes, polyetherurethane, polycarbonate-urethane and silicone polyether-urethane. Other suitable hydrophilic polymers include naturally-occurring materials such as glucomannan gel, hyaluronic acid, polysaccharides, such as cross-linked carboxyl-containing polysaccharides, and combinations thereof. The nature of the materials employed to form the elastic body should be selected so the formed implants have sufficient load bearing capacity. In preferred embodiments, a compressive strength of at least about 0.1 MPa is desired, although compressive strengths in the range of about 1 MPa to about 20 MPa are more preferred.

It is to be appreciated that natural materials may be used to make the prosthetic implants disclosed in the present invention. For example, natural collagen material such as allogenic or xenogenic disc nucleus material may be used. Alternatively, collagen-based material derived from natural, collagen-rich tissue, such as intervertebral disc, fascia, ligament, tendon, demineralized bone matrix, etc., may be used. The material may be autogenic, allogenic, or xenogenic, or it may be of human-recombinant origin. In alternative embodiments the collagen-based material may be a synthetic, collagen-based material. Examples of preferred collagen-rich tissues include disc annulus, fascia lata, planar fascia, anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments, patella tendon, hamstring tendons, quadriceps tendons, Achilles tendons, skins, and other connective tissues.

In some embodiments the implant material is an inelastic, semi-rigid material. Such materials stretch very little, if at all, but allow some compression. The compression typically occurs when air in the implant is pushed out, such as when a small roll of fabric is compressed.

The implants can be shaped as desired. For example, the nucleus pulposus implants may take the form of a cylinder, a rectangle, or other polygonal shape or may be substantially oval.

The securing and/or blocking members may be made of any appropriate biocompatible material, such metals, ceramics, polymers and combinations thereof. Non-resorbable metallic materials include biocompatible stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, titanium-vanadium-aluminum alloy, cobalt alloys such as cobalt-chromium alloy, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy, and cobalt-nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy, tantalum, niobium, hafnium, tungsten, shape memory materials as described above, especially those exhibiting superelastic behavior and including metals, and alloys thereof. Resorbable materials include polylactide, polyglycolide, tyrosine-derived polycarbonate, polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polyphosphazene, bioactive glass, calcium phosphate, such as hydroxyapatite, and combinations thereof.

The anchoring devices may also be anchored with other soft tissue anchors known in the art, including suture anchors commonly used in arthroscopy or sports medicine surgeries, for example. In the case of a soft tissue or suture anchor, the end of the elongated body of the anchoring device is attached to the end of the anchor, which is embedded and anchored in an adjacent vertebral body.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A device for maintaining separation between naturally adjacent vertebrae in a human while cushioning the intervertebral space, the device comprising: a first L-shaped blocking member having an anchoring arm and a blocking arm, the L-shaped blocking member being sized and adapted to be coupled to a human vertebra; a securing member for coupling the anchoring arm to a human vertebra; and an intervertebral disc implant sized and adapted to be positioned between two, naturally adjacent vertebrae in a human; wherein the blocking arm of the L-shaped blocking member is sized and adapted to block the intervertebral disc implant from being expelled from an intervertebral disc space while remaining free and unconnected to the intervertebral disc implant.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant is formed from an elastic material.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant member comprises a prosthetic disc nucleus.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant member comprises an annular plug.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant comprises a polymeric material.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the polymeric material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicones, polyaryletherketones, polyarylacrylates, polyacrylamidesacrylates, polyolefins, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyesters.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant comprises a natural, collagen-source material.
 8. The device of claim 7 wherein the natural, collagen-source material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of disc annulus material, fascia lata material, planar fascia material, anterior or posterior cruciate ligament material, patella tendons, hamstring tendons, quadriceps tendons, Achilles tendons, skins, and connective tissues.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the intervertebral disc implant comprises a synthetic, collagen-type material.
 10. A device for maintaining separation between naturally adjacent human vertebrae, the device comprising an L-shaped blocking member having an anchoring arm and a blocking arm; and a spinal implant sized and adapted to be positioned between two, naturally adjacent human vertebrae in a disc nucleus space; wherein the anchoring arm is sized and adapted to be anchored to a human vertebra; and wherein the blocking arm is sized and adapted to extend into an opening in a disc annulus without extending into the disc nucleus space, and is thereby to be positioned to block the spinal implant in the disc nucleus space while remaining unconnected to the spinal implant.
 11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a securing member for coupling the anchoring arm to a human vertebra.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein the spinal implant is formed from an elastic material.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein the spinal implant comprises a polymeric material.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the polymeric material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicones, polyaryletherketones, polyarylacrylates, polyacrylamidesacrylates, polyolefins, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyesters.
 15. A device for maintaining separation between naturally adjacent human vertebrae, the device comprising a pair of L-shaped blocking members, wherein each blocking member has an anchoring arm and a blocking arm; and a spinal implant sized and adapted to be positioned between naturally adjacent human vertebrae in a disc nucleus space; wherein each of the anchoring arms is sized and adapted to be anchored to a respective one of the naturally adjacent human vertebra; and wherein each of the blocking arms is sized and adapted to extend into an opening in a disc annulus without extending into the disc nucleus space, and are thereby to be positioned to block the spinal implant in the disc nucleus space while remaining unconnected to the spinal implant.
 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a first securing member for coupling a first of the pair of anchoring arms to a first of the to a human vertebrae.
 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a second securing member for coupling a second of the pair of anchoring arms to a second of the human vertebrae.
 18. The device of claim 15 wherein the spinal implant is formed from an elastic material.
 19. The device of claim 15 wherein the spinal implant comprises a polymeric material.
 20. The device of claim 19 wherein the polymeric material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane, silicones, polyaryletherketones, polyarylacrylates, polyacrylamidesacrylates, polyolefins, polyvinyl alcohols, polyacrylonitriles, polyesters. 